Best Fuge Lights

[paul87]

Just want to get some opinions on refugium lighting for macroalgae. I currently have a 20-25 gallon sump with fuge. I am using a 15w cfl with a kevlin temp of 6500K. I have chaetomorpha algae and red gracilaria. I just recently got the red gacilaria and donk know what light it prefers but i like the look of the algae. I havent had much luck with my chaeto growing. I did recently get a new bulb and added a small pump for more water movement to the fuge. Could be nutrients, could be light. Im not sure. Heres my fuge.

Older pic (full tank)

 

[CaptainJugz]

I use a single led strip light on my 4 gallon fugue.

 

[carey]

I had an 18w cfl over mine but eventually switched to a regualr old home depot clasp lamp with a light bulb in it. lol The one thing in this hobby that is cheap and actually works. hehehe

 

[CaptainJugz]

My thoughts/ experience: First create some shady areas as well as bright areas. My chaeto does well on top of the water column (this also helps create little shady areas where pods, sponge, and other little buggers thrive). would highly recommend 2-3 inches of sand over some figi/ miracle mud in there to help with nutrients for everything. I will never do a tank without mud again! You don't want too much water flow. There should be some very calm areas for little clouds of pods to breed and swim. Think safe shady lagoon- well lit but diverse in every area.